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At the OneStopPlus.com Show, Models Debate the Pros and Cons of ‘Plus-Size’

Most models in plus-size fashion shows hate the term “plus-size,” which is something we learned at the OneStopPlus.com runway show yesterday. The online clothing hub for women size twelve and up (that accounts for 62% of American women) was New York Fashion Week’s first ever plus-size show. Models, mostly sizes ten to sixteen, strutted down the runway wearing OneStopPlus’ ready-to-wear Spring collection. But most of the curvy models were, like Crystal Renn, herself, ambivalent about using the phrase “plus-size.”

“Being categorized isn’t the greatest thing,” said Emme, who sat front row. “It’s too bad it has to be one or the other,” said model Amanda Docrate, who was walking in New York’s Fashion Week for the first time. “I think there is clearly more than one size of a woman and would be beautiful to embrace that. Crystal walked in the Zac Posen show and Chanel, and I think it’s slow, but this is the push to start getting there.”

Fellow model Toccarra took the minority viewpoint. “I do not agree with Crystal Renn when she said she doesn’t like the word plus-size. What’s negative about plus?” she asked. “Plus is plus. Plus equals positive. I don’t understand who pulled it out of their ass that plus-size means negative? Plus is amazing. I’d rather be plus than negative any day.”

Meanwhile, no matter what you call it, audience member Gabourey Sidibe (who sat between actress Nikki Blonsky and Real Housewive Caroline Manzo) has some advice for women over size ten. “I recommend Spanx. And really knowing what you can and can’t wear,” she said. “I woudn’t wear anything that’s backless, because I know better. Dress for a way that makes you feel comfortable!”

At the OneStopPlus.com Show, Models Debate the Pros and Cons of ‘Plus-Size’